Some Question's About HDTV?
 

Would it be smart to invest in a Big Screen HDTV now, or do you think they will go down in price in time?

If you have a HDTV do the channels that already come in HD, play in HD? or do you have to order a certain box from your cable company?


Say you have a HDTV, and your watching a non HDTV Channel, will it be better picture/quality then a regular tv?

Do big screen HDTV's (45-60 inches) affect the quality of HDTV, since there so big?

What exactly is a LCD TV?


I heard a few times on this board, that in a year or 2, every channel will be HD, is this true? I have heard on here, the government is making this decision, or something?


Could you get a nice HDTV for $1000, or should I wait a while for that?


Thanks in advance for answering the questions, I know nothing about HDTV's..

This has what exactly to do with DVDs?

what forum should it be in?

Maybe the one about Home Theater gear ;)

thanks mod :)

My personal opinions - hope they help

Would it be smart to invest in a Big Screen HDTV now, or do you think they will go down in price in time?

Depends, you run alot of risk investing now. The HD-DVD standards are not set yet so you could have trouble with compatability in the future (smart shopping can reduce the risk). If it will financially hinder you I would wait till at least this Christmas. If you are marginal like I am - can comfortably afford a payment but not lump sum buy - its kinda tricky. Make sure if you do get one to get HDMI inputs as they are rumored to be the standard for HD-DVD. Also, I would think affordable - that way in a few years if everything gets going and major advancements happen rebuying will not hurt so bad.


If you have a HDTV do the channels that already come in HD, play in HD? or do you have to order a certain box from your cable company?

No, with cable you will need a box, you can pick up locals over the air (OTA) but you will need a tuner (either built into the tv or a seperate box) and an antenna or you can do what I did and get satellite. I went with Voom - you get and OTA antenna and a box for $1 right now. About 25 HD channels (plus the OTA stuff) - mostly voom originals with movies on them. Dish and Direct have HD packages also that vary in price.


Say you have a HDTV, and your watching a non HDTV Channel, will it be better picture/quality then a regular tv?

Maybe and maybe not. With my cable (comcast) I found the answer to be no. When I switched to Voom HD satellite the answer is sometimes, but not always. In rare occasions it looks worse. I prefer to watch SD channels on my SD set and DVDs and HDTV on my HD set.


Do big screen HDTV's (45-60 inches) affect the quality of HDTV, since there so big?

They affect the quality of everything by being big. The bigger the screen the more important the source becomes. That is why I try not to watch SD channels on my 57. HDTV in general looks the best with DVD close behind in my opinion (well, not all DVD look good, but properly mastered anamorphic ones do). SDTV looks bad that big - worse in general than a comparable SD big screen.


What exactly is a LCD TV?

It is a form of Rear Projection TV that is enhanced. Brighter and chrisper with better viewing angles. Much more expensive that a standard RPTV. Worth it to some, but not me (not now at least).


I heard a few times on this board, that in a year or 2, every channel will be HD, is this true? I have heard on here, the government is making this decision, or something?

Well, I think it only applies to broadcast not cable. I am not real informed, but I do not think they will.


Could you get a nice HDTV for $1000, or should I wait a while for that

They have a Toshiba 46 RP HDTV that can be found on sale for around that price. Look for a quality brand like Toshiba, Sony, Hitachi, Mitsu and stay away from names less familiar. Spend weeks watching them in the stare and talking to those you know as well as reading online reviews. If when you are done with that - you still want one - you should make a good choice.

thanks a lot for the info speedy :)

one more ? though

what does rear projection and sd mean?

Rear Projection - Well - I have a 57 inch PR HDTV It uses lenses to project the image on the screen from behind. The other main forms are front projection (a projector and screen setup), CRT (what most people have), Plasma (the big flat expensive TVs) and I guess LCD panel - typically small computer monitor size (not to be confused with LCD projection).

RP have several forms - regular - what I have, DLP, LCD and LCOS - the last three are technologies to enhance the image projected.

SD just stands for standard definition (what you are watching now 1:33 to 1 aspect ratio) where HD stands for high definition 1:85 to 1 aspect ratio).

These links might get you thinking:

http://www.voom.com/hdrc/index.shtml

http://www.jakeludington.com/archives/000594.html

http://www.alwayson-network.com/comm...=P6266_0_6_0_C

http://www.hdtvinfoport.com/hdtv-buyers-guide.html

http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000610033249/

I have not read all these, but they seemed like got starting points to get you thinking on what to look up to meet your needs.

Electronics always go down in price, usually to make way for the next version or generation of item.